She completed her PhD from Harvard University in 2008, where she worked with Elizabeth Spelke, Mahzarin Banaji, and Carol S. Dweck.
In 2013, she subsequently moved to the Department of Psychology at the University of Washington where she directs the Social Cognitive Development Lab.
[8] The TransYouth Project "aims to help scientists, educators, parents, and children better understand the varieties of human gender development.
[12][13] Such findings contrast with reports of poor mental health outcomes among transgender adults, who frequently experience discrimination and marginalization.
[14] In interviews, Olson has emphasized the importance of supportive parents and families in helping transgender youth feel accepted, safe, and secure, especially as they transition through adolescence to adulthood.